A/N: Sorry for the delay. I was actually ready to post thison Friday but… I got the cold… Colds are no fun. Before you start reading this, there are a couple things you should probably know.

1) This chapter focuses mostly on the supernatural world of the Yu-Gi-Oh/Justice League home-world and the effects of our little misadventures are having on the pantheons. The only pantheons directly involved in this chapter or the Greek and the Welsh/Celtic.

2) I will be utilizing parts of the Welsh/Celtic mythology's but not all. The parts I will be using will be a slight interpretation away from the ritual mythologies that we know. I'm going to be playing with the idea that mythologies are based on true stories that have been blown up to legendary proportions. The main parts of the Celtic Welsh mythology I will be using are the Holly King and his Unseelie fae court and the Oak King his Seelie fae court.

Just as a basic background, the Holly King rules from the Autumnal Equinox to the Spring Equinox and is at his peak of power on Midwinter. At the Spring Equinox, he is succeeded by the Oak King who rules until the Autumnal Equinox and is at his greatest strength on Midsummer. Traditionally, the succeeding king slays the reigning king but... It's not quite so in this. You'll see.

3) The two new characters in this, Pwyll and Arawn, are real Welsh/Celtic mythological figures who are very interesting. I'm using their Tears to Tiara versions because I'm familiar with their appearances and characteristics. Just for reference. No, this won't be a crossover with Tears to Tiara, I'm just using those characters so I can avoid OCs. Nevertheless, I suggest y'all look up the show Tears to Tiara and watch it. It's fabulous.

Chapter summary: In which the Greeks get bad news, Zeus is pissed, the seeds of rebellion may be sown, and Arawn is bored, thus chaos.

Higher Problems

"Still no sign of him?"

"No," Artemis huffed in frustration. "He continues to evade me."

"He hasn't made a move for almost a year," Dionysus said thoughtfully, running a hand through his long wine red hair. "Why now? What has changed?"

"Who knows?" Apollo said, watching his sister in worry. "It is Ares we're talking about."

"True," Dionysus replied, raising his goblet in acknowledgment. "But even Ares is predictable to a degree. He goes where there is war and strife."

"Which would be the entire world," Aphrodite said disdainfully.

"Not necessarily," Athena said, considering Dionysus's words. "He prefers squabbles in which familial blood is spilt to general war. Feuds, beserkers, bloodbaths, systematic destruction and murder."

"He is also known for holding grudges," Poseidon said, his deep voice rumbling like the vast and ancient sea he haled from. The seaweed in his sopping wet hair shifted just slightly dripping seawater on Dionysus's tunic. The god of wine and sexual deviancy flinched, giving the elder sea god a withering glare which was duly ignored.

"I received word from the Celts," Hermes said, stepping forward. "They deny any involvement and have offered their services to help find him." He snorted. "It seems even they do not wish Ares running about unchecked. However," he added soberly, "they refused to offer aid in the search for the renegade Titans Helios and Selene."

"I see," Zeus said, narrowing his eyes as thunder rumbled nearby. "Did they say why not?"

Hermes shifted uncomfortably, not happy with being the bearer of bad news. "I was told they respect the freedom of the sun and moon and will do nothing to bind them with any type of chain, even if those chains be divine."

Lightning flashed in the darkening clouds as Zeus's eyes narrowed in controlled fury. Hera placed a calming hand on his arm and glared at him until he calmed the growing storm. Only then did she speak.

"With whom did you speak Hermes?" the Queen of the Gods asked.

"One called Pwyll, the current reigning Holly King," Hermes replied.

"Pwyll," Zeus murmured. "He is rumored to be friends with Arawn, is he not?"

"It is no rumor, my king," Athena answer in Hermes's stead. "Their friendship can be traced back many centuries if not more so. Pwyll has the backing of Arawn of Annwn in all that he does."

"And Arawn is the notorious leader of the Wild Hunt," Dionysus said, nodding to himself.

"And what of the Norse?" Zeus demanded.

"They do not seem interested in getting involved in the affairs of others," Hermes reported, sneering. "All the better, I say. They are drunk bastards."

"Yes," Dionysus said with a wistful smile. "And fantastic partiers," he added with a wink to the messenger god who rolled his eyes. "Their ale may be subpar but they make up for it with their enthusiasm.

"Yes, so you've said," Aphrodite drawl, rolling her eyes. "Hermes," she called, drawing the messenger's attention. "Did any of the other pantheons you visited offer to help us?"

Hermes hesitated before shaking his head. "Not in so many words," he admitted. He turned back to Zeus and said, "The Japanese pantheon would not listen to me. They would not even meet me. They sent a demon instead."

"A demon?" Zeus demanded aghast.

Hermes nodded. "They apparently hold a grudge against us for our part in the last fiasco involving Ares and one of theirs."

"We never involved the Japanese in our squabbles before," Apollo said.

"No, they're right," Hades interrupted, speaking up for the first time. His dark eyes bored in Apollo's glistening blue. "Ares attacked Seto Kaiba."

"But that was a year ago and Kaiba is an Egyptian god," Apollo countered.

"An Egyptian god reborn as a Japanese citizen," Hades said. "He may be an Egyptian god but he has the protection of the Japanese pantheon it would seem. It would be wise to assume all of their Court who were born Japanese have the same protection."

"And it's not from a year ago," Hermes said gaining everyone's surprised attention. "This happened just the other day."

"So her words were true," Artemis murmured.

"You would keep things from me, Huntress?" Zeus said.

"Not deliberately," Artemis said quickly. "Diana of my Amazons and the Justice League told me she saw someone she believes to be Ares at the location of a gathering of Shadow Courtiers that ended in destruction and the loss of Set's brother."

"This could prove to be troublesome," Poseidon gurgled into the ensuing shocked silence. "The Japanese are known for their secrecy. They never wander far from their nation. If they are indeed taking this as a threat, we would have enemies of them. That would be an unwise move."

"I agree," Athena said, nodding.

"Before, you said, 'not is so many words,'" Zeus pressed, eyeing Hermes and waving the others silent. "What did you mean by that?"

The messenger god shrugged. "I got the feeling if Ares ever showed up in their territory or bothered anyone under their watch, they would burn him alive," he said. "But otherwise they will do nothing."

Zeus leaned back in his throne and breathed out slowly, controlling his temper. "So we are essentially on our own," he said.

"There is one last thing, my king," Hermes said hesitantly.

"What is it?"

"It's the sun, my king," the messenger said. "It... It's changing."

"Changing how?" Hera demanded.

Hermes shook his head as he struggled to find the right words. "I cannot say exactly, just that it is changed. It no longer feels...alive as it used to."

"Could this mean Helios has died?" Dionysus gasped.

"No," Hades said quickly. "He has not come to my realm. I would know of one of his power passed on."

"So not dead but..." Artemis shifted her eyes to her twin.

Apollo shook his head. "I have no answer, I'm afraid."

"We need Selene," Zeus said. "If she is taken into custody, Helios will come willingly."

"Or the other way around," Aphrodite murmured, nodding in agreement.

Athena aimed a glare at Zeus. "I stand by my words before that I do not believe the treatment of the Titans to be fair. It is unwise to make rash decisions before first thinking things through. That is what put us in the position we are in now."

Zeus turned his storm gray eyes on his daughter in challenge. "Are you defying me Athena?" Zeus asked suspiciously.

"I am the goddess of wisdom, organized war, and tacticians," Athena replied with a raised eyebrow. "I never do or say anything without first thinking things through. I have learned from past mistakes that such things are never good. I would think you would have learn such lessons yourself from the number of times you waved your cock around and infuriated Hera."

"You dare-!"

"Be still husband!" Hera snapped furiously. "She speaks true. Just because you dislike them does not negate their truth. Unless you want another...incident," she hissed suggestively, "I suggest you sit down and behave."

Zeus shook with rage, glaring at Hera. "I will not be ordered by a woman."

"You think that the location of one's genitals denotes power, Zeus?" Athena demanded with a smirk. "Then I think you'll find the modern world an interesting place."

"Are you challenging my authority?" Zeus growled, thunder rumbling close by.

"I am challenging your thoughts," she said. "They are outdated for this modern world. You need to learn to adapt to the changing times."

"Or what?"

Athena leveled a glare ate the King of the Gods with one of her own. "Then you will Fade like the rest."

Silence reigned followed by a thin whistle. Eyes flickered to Dionysus who sipped his wine with an entertained grin on his face. "It looks like things just got interesting," he said.

"Come away from the window," he said.

She sighed as arms encircled her from behind, protective and loving. He planted a kiss on the juncture where her neck met her shoulder, sweeping aside her dyed blonde hair as he did so. She nuzzled him but refused to leave her spot by the window.

Something was wrong, had been wrong for at least a day now; something she could not explain. She could still feel the sun far above but it was different, not wrong just different. It felt more distant than it usually did. She knew in her heart Helios was still alive but she could not feel him in this world. It disturbed her.

She brushed the slight swell of her belly, wincing. She did not regret her choice herself to become pregnant. She could not regret it. But she fear what would happen if she and her fledgling family were discovered. She knew from her sister Eos's tragic fate that the end would be anything but quick and merciful.

A soft knock startled her from her thoughts and she turned to the door warily. Endymion positioned himself on the window seat in such a way as to partially block her from view. She smiled at the gesture and called, "Who is it?"

"It is I, Pwyll Pen Annwn," the voice called through the solid, oaken door. "May I enter?"

"Of course," Selene quickly replied. "This is your home, not mine," she said to the person who entered.

The man had a young appearance as did many in pantheons, but it was his eyes which betrayed his age. He was old and wise but still had a heart of gold and unfathomable honor and integrity. The deep violet irises reflected many memories, good and bad, but held no grudges against them. His smile was soft and gentle as was his short, sandy brown hair under a crown of oaken bows twined around his head.

"I see you are doing well," he said, his voice carrying an accent unique to his people. It sounded like the rugged hills and weather of the region without the hard edges or dreariness.

"We are," Endymion said, standing with a smile to shake the newcomer's hand firmly. "Thank you for offering us sanctuary."

"Think nothing of it," Pwyll said, eyes hard and determined. "When Arawn told me of your need, I could not stand idly by." He removed his hand and glanced over Endymion's shoulder to the Titaness. "Is there anything I cam get you? My wife Rhiannon has been worrying over your health these past few days."

Selene shook her head. "I am well," she replied. "However, I would not turn down the opportunity to speak with your wife later today."

"I'm sure she would enjoy that immensely," Pwyll said with a smile. The smile faded and the light in his eyes dimmed. "I am afraid I bring ill news. The messenger of your pantheon came to visit us this day. He knows not your whereabouts, of that I am certain," he said quickly, hoping to quell the Titan's fears. "He merely requested the help of myself and my people in the search of both you and your brother as well as one of their own who has also gone missing." He lifted an eyebrow ironically and said, "They certainly seem to excel at misplacing people."

Selene managed a smile. "They do at that," she said, placing a hand over her belly.

"What was your answer?" Endymion demanded. Pwyll looked at him askance and the human turned immortal clarified, "To their request to find my wife and her brother?"

Pwyll's eyes grew large. "I swore on my honor I would offer you sanctuary and protect you as one of my own Court," he said incredulously. "Do you so quickly doubt such an oath?"

"Oaths do not mean as much to the Greek as they do to you," Endymion said.

Pwyll sobered and nodded slowly. "So I am learning," he murmured. "Forgive my outburst. But you must know any and all oaths I make, I will uphold to the best of my ability on my honor and position as Holly King."

"And for that we are grateful," Selene said, standing. "You said one of the Olympians was missing. Did Hermes say who it was?"

Pwyll nodded. "The one called Ares, you god of war," he said seriously. Selene's eyes widened and Pwyll sighed. "Neither the Unseelie nor my own Seelie wish for his interference. The blood spilt between clans and family is cruel, especially so close to when I must step down from my post and give way to Arawn."

"And Arawn," Endymion asked, "he will uphold your oath?"

Pwyll nodded. "He is my oldest and dearest friend still drawing breath. We back each other however, whenever we can. As the Holly King, he will not only uphold my oath but have the power necessary to enforce it as well." His eyes glittered briefly with curiosity. "I do wonder, however, what your Ares would be doing leaving his pantheon so abruptly."

"I wonder that myself," Selene muttered, staring out the window once more to where the sun still shone in the sky. "He is not fond of my brother and I, my brother more so because he was more outspoken than myself. However, Ares never had much of a reason to seek us out until Zeus ordered our capture."

"You think he is truly acting on his own then?" Pwyll asked.

"At the moment, yes," Selene said, taking her husband's hand. "The only person I know of who has actively given Ares reason to hate him in recent years in Set."

"Of the new Egyptian pantheon," Pwyll said nodding. "Yes, I have heard of him and his kin. Their way of order is very intriguing to us. Arawn and I would not be averse to forming an alliance with his Court."

"Indeed?" Selene asked.

Pwyll nodded. "Their structure of Dark and Light with neither being good or evil but a fascinating balance of both is a subject of great interest to the Seelie and Unseelie Courts."

"I can see why," Endymion said. "But, from what I understand, Set is the god of the balancing aspect. Curious indeed since he is also attributed to chaos."

"Just so," Pwyll replied. "But then, chaos is, in its own way, a balancing act. Too little is order, too much is destruction. The world we live in naturally has order as well as chaos. To accept one and shun the other is folly. Set's position as a part of the balance is what my people find so intriguing. A balancing power that keeps both sides in check while remaining uninfluenced. Arawn hopes to one day challenge their Court."

"In battle?" Edymion gasped.

"No, no," Pwyll said chuckling. "Just a friendly duel. Arawn loves a good challenge." He sighed fondly. "As for me, I feel the Pharaoh and the King would be better company."

"You know quite a bit about them," Endymion said.

"Not really, actually," Pwyll admitted. "It was the fault of one who lived in Britain that our attention was first drawn to them. From there, our attention became curiosity and grew from there." He shrugged. "They keep to themselves and we respect that. But should they choose to create an alliance, we are willing to negotiate."

He grew serious once more. "That brings to mind another thing," Pwyll said calmly. "I am unsure of how much you are aware of in the supernatural world, but word has reached my ears of an attack on the Shadow Court. I was unable to get much information from Hermes directly, but I was able to put his information and my own together and can tell with almost absolute certainty that Ares was involved."

"If you mean from a year ago," Selene began, "then yes, we ar-"

"No, this is from but a day ago if I understand correctly."

"A day?! But how-"

Pwyll twitched and Selene fell silent when he gave a put upon sigh. "My sincerest apologies. It you will excuse me, I am afraid my duties call me. I wish you good rest, my lady, consort."

"And to you," Selene and Endymion replied together.

"I'm glad they found us when they did," Endymion said after a minute. "That storm was getting much too close for comfort." Selene nodded silently. "I wonder what the Japanese think of all this?"

"Hm?" Selene gazed up at her consort in confusion.

"This," Endymion waved his hand in an attempt to demonstrate, "everything. The disfunction of the Olympians, the new Egyptian pantheon, many of whom are of Japanese decent I understand, and now this."

"The Japanese are old and wary of outsiders," Selene said slowly. "But they are known to be protective of their nation and its inhabitants."

"So where were they when all this began?" Endymion asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Why haven't they risen in their own's protection when Ares attacked the Court the first time?" Endymion asked.

"Because he attacked the Court, not just Set," Selene replied. "It was an attack on the pantheon not a single person."

"But what if it was?" Dark blue eyes met Selene's silver-gray framed by dyed blonde hair and took her hands in his. "What if he was attacking Set the individual and not the pantheon as a whole?"

"Why would he do that?" Selene asked in confusion.

"There could be any number of reasons," Endymion said, "that is not the point. The point is that Ares attack Set alone even though we know many of the other Courtiers were present. More importantly," he raised a finger to emphasize his point, "he possessed Set to do it. That is a violation of inter-pantheon relations as well as a violation of the human autonomy."

"It is, but Ares was duly punished," Selene said.

"Was he?" Endymion countered. "True, he was returned to Zeus unconscious but was that punishment or mercy? The Court dealt with him as a pantheon for his interference with Set, but did Set ever deal with Ares for his interference with his personal autonomy?"

Selene's eyes grew hard and sharp. "What are you getting at?" she demanded quietly.

Endymion practically vibrated with excitement. "Why don't we inform the Japanese pantheon of what Ares's possession of Set."

Selene sighed. "It is likely they already know."

"And what about your brother?"

"What about him?" Selene asked warily.

"You said he was gone somehow, that this was affecting the sun," he said. "And now we find he may have been involved with this latest incident also involving Set. I doubt that is a coincidence."

Selene shook her head. "I doubt they would listen to us," she said. "Even if I pulled my wait, it would be difficult."

"What if you asked to speak to their moon deity Tsukuyomi as an equal?" he pressed. "Surely they will at least respect your age enough to at least parlay on some level."

"You're suggesting I plant seeds that could start a rebellion," Selene said shrewdly.

"A rebellion that has already inadvertently started," Endymion said. "From the moment the new Egyptian pantheon appeared, everything we knew and considered unchanging has changed. And I doubt it will stop now to suit us." He pressed his forehead to his wife's rested a hand gently on her stomach. "Please," he said softly. "I would rather see this through on the hope that we may have a place to be safe and call home in the future than spend the rest of eternity hiding like refugees."

Selene's eyes softened and she kissed her husband's nose. "I will consider it."

"That's all I ask," Endymion said.

"Your guests certainly are fascinating," Arawn said, smirking at the predictable indignant squawk and glare from his surprised companion.

"Arawn!" Pwyll hollared, glaring at the remorseless snowy haired Holly King furiously. "What have I told you abo-"

"Nothing I choose to remember," the Holly King said glibly, crimson eyes like the red berries of his holly sprig coronet sparkled merrily. "And anyway, you should be pleased I enjoy eavesdropping. I learn lots of interesting things that way."

"It is a dishonorable practice," Pwyll said, glaring half-heartedly at his counterpart.

Arawn predictably cackled, the sound soothing Pwyll's ruffled feathers. It was a sound he missed during the height of his yearly reign when Arawn had been in deep slumber. He rejoiced to hear it again, even if it could very well be the last thing he heard before he fell into slumber on the Autumnal Equinox.

"Apparently," Arawn began, breaking into the Oak King's thoughts, "your new friends are considering tattling on their Olympian friends to the Japanese."

"For what purpose?" Pwyll asked in confusion.

"Justice, rebellion, intrigue, boredom, it could be any number of things," Arawn said with a sly wink. "Although I'd be willing to bet out last supper together that it's leaning more towards the rebellion side."

"Rebellion?" Pwyll asked. "Against whom?"

"Perhaps the idiot who's ass currently squelches and farts on the throne of Olympus," Arawn said.

Pwyll looked faintly green. "Your language has not changed," he said in mixed fondness and horror. "Although I'm not sure how I feel about the new words and phrases."

"Human language grows with its people," Arawn said. "It's fun. And it gives me a leg up when tossing insults at people I dislike."

Pwyll shook his head wearily, hiding a fond smile on his face. "How you have managed to retain the Holly King crown for as long as you have amazes me, old friend," he said.

"I think my people enjoy my unpredictable nature," the Keeper of the Hounds of Annwn said. "It keeps them on their toes. Besides, I give them no end of things to do so they're never board. A bored Unseelie," he said, tapping Pwyll's nose patronizingly, "is a dangerous Unseelie."

"I'll drink to that," Pwyll said, nodding enthusiastically. He scooped up his wine, held it up, and said, "To Arawn, may his boredom cease," then drained the cup enjoying his companions snort.

"Well, I guess I won't have to get you drunk then to suggest this since you've already done an outstanding job at that on your own," Arawn teased. Pwyll rolled his eyes as the Unseelie king continued. "Your power in waning and mine is growing as is tradition but I suggest we deal with this while we're both awake and sharing power."

"Deal with what exactly?" Pwyll asked warily.

"Helping instigate and enjoying the fallout of chaos," Arawn said, his teeth gleaming. "It's been a while since something this interesting happened."

"Chaos isn't always a good thing, Arawn," Pwyll warned.

"No, but change is constant," the Holly King replied seriously. "You and I are perfect examples of this concept. And as you said and even drank to, I am bored. I need something to do. Chaos is perfect. Besides, I'm sure my Hounds would enjoy a good romp."

"I'm sure they would," Pwyll agreed. He reached out and caught his friend's hand drawing Arawn's abrupt attention.

"Pwyll," Arawn said hesitantly. "What is it? What's wrong?"

The Oak King bowed his head, assembling the words he needed to convey before lifting his eyes to Arawn's crimson and speaking clearly. "I know not what will happen, nor do I have the gift of foresight," he began. "But I ask you to be on your guard." His violet eyes gleamed. "As you say, my power is fading as the Equinox draws close. Nothing can befall you 'ere you have the chance to send me to my rest and take up the Throne of the Wheel. Promise me you will take care."

Arawn's eyes softened and he smiled, grasping Pwyll's wrist with his free hand. "I swear on my true name, I will take care and return to see you put to rest." His lips quirked to something more cheeky. "Besides, with the god of war running amok and the gods of chaos, birth, and death, running about as well, I think I'll be having too much fun to get hurt, hm?"

"Arawn, you absolute imbecile!" Pwyll cried, drowned out by the Holly King's belly laugh.